Canisius adds animal behavior major

Monday, August 3, 2009,

Canisius College will offer a degree in animal behavior, ecology and conservation starting this fall.
The program will be based on lectures and hands-on learning experiences in required and elective courses. It will be directed by biology professor Michael Noonan.
Students will learn about the science of animal behavior, with an understanding in the "ethical and moral considerations" of animal behavior disciplines, the college says.
"It is for students who want to thoroughly understand the facts and theoretical underpinning of animal behavior and who also want to use that understanding to promote animal welfare and wildlife conservation," Noon said in a statement.
The program is part of the college's Institute for the Study of Human-Animal Relationships, one of three institutes established by Canisius officials in the past 12 months.